8 September 2020 The Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.

Micah 5: 1-4 (NRSV)

Mary’s birthday has been celebrated since the sixth century, nine months to the day of the celebration of her Immaculate Conception on December 8th. Mary shares with John the Baptist, the honour of being the only saints whose birthdays are celebrated. This tells us of the special presence of God in Mary’s life right from its beginning. And yet, her birth was in a place that was insignificant at the time and few outside of her family would have known of her birth. As so often, God shows that it is the humble, “unimportant” people and places that are close to him. Birthday celebrations usually bring happiness to friends and family as well as to the person whose birthday it is. Today’s celebration of Mary’s birthday offers great happiness to us as members of the same family.

• • How do you think Mary would like her birthday to be celebrated?
  • Can you imagine God’s joy at your birth – and the birth of all people? 

Find a way to celebrate Mary’s birthday and to give thanks for her life. Maybe by praying one of the many prayers that honour Mary, or singing a hymn that honours Mary, or looking at some art work associated with her life, or….